What should you expect from your Tandem BASE experience? We are so glad you asked!
Get on the Schedule
The first step of a Tandem BASE jump is getting on our schedule which can be fairly competitive. We are quite selective with who can guide for Tandem BASE Moab to ensure your safety. With a limited number of guides we have a limited capacity in the number of jumps we are able to do per day. To get on our schedule, reach out to us through text, phone call, email, or social media. We are very responsive and pride ourselves in communication and customer service. When you reach out, let us know some of the dates that you have in mind, then we will check our availability and find something that works for both of us. We take bookings up to a year in advance.
As your reservation approaches we will reach out to you to confirm your jump. The day prior to your jump we reach out again to discuss final logistics; what time and where to meet, what to wear, what to bring, and answer any questions you might have.
Meeting and Hiking
On the day of your jump we will meet at a predetermined location – usually a designated trailhead or somewhere in Moab from which you can follow us to the jump. We will show you the cliff you will be jumping from, sign waivers, and go over the final details before our adventure begins. All we tell people to bring is their phone and a collapsible/disposable water bottle (we will provide one if you do not have one).
Now it is time to make our way to the cliff! This process varies depending on the “exit point” that you choose. Some of the hikes are casual strolls, some extremely strenuous, and everything in between. Along the way you will see incredible views of canyons, rivers, petroglyphs, wildlife, flowers, and more. Most of our jump locations will make you feel like you are the only one in the area…. And there is a good chance that you are.
Preparing for the Jump
After hiking, pictures, and taking in the views you will find yourself on top of a cliff. We are completely used to helping people through the emotional angst that comes with Tandem BASE jumping from a cliff of Moab, Utah. We will take a few minutes to enjoy the area, recover from the hike, and take a few more pictures.
At this point if there are multiple clients, each client will pair off with their guide to discuss all aspects of the jump. We explain every bit of the process! We will talk about getting to the edge, what to expect, how to exit, the camera, landing, and yes even how to count down. We will then practice this entire process with and without gear on while safely away from the edge.
It is frequently this moment that the reality of what we are about to do kicks in. You will be attached to a stranger hobbling towards a cliff edge wondering, “what the heck am I doing?” While those thoughts race through your head, continue to focus on the simple tasks that you have practiced. Your Tandem BASE Moab guide will instruct and encourage you through what may be the most stressful few moments of your life, embrace it.
The Jump
Once you’re on the edge, we will briefly check in with the camera and then countdown. Just like in the videos, the guide will count down from five, you will join them in counting at three, and then you will jump after you say one. The jump is really quite easy. We don’t expect you to make an Olympic leap, it is a simple hop forward. Overcoming the fear to actually make the jump is the hard part. Once you leave the cliff edge you will likely experience the craziest few seconds of your life. You will be freefalling down a sandstone cliff. The freefall lasts roughly one hundred feet before the parachute catches you. Once the parachute catches you, prepare for total bliss.
Flying through a canyon a few feet away from sandstone cliffs is truly a dreamlike experience. People often say, “there is nothing like it,” in reference to very ordinary things. We promise you- there is truly nothing like this parachute flight and emotional rebound after facing such tremendous fear. As you approach the ground your guide will tell you to pick up your feet for landing. This allows the guide to put down their feet first and attempt to stand you both up or decide to gently slide in on our butts.
Once you reach the ground the jump may be over, but the experience is not. You will be absolutely perplexed how the heck you just made it to the ground. Your heart will be racing and your body will be filled with adrenaline. The landing energy and emotions are very much a ‘vibe’ all their own. This feeling can last for hours. The memories and confidence will last a lifetime. We take celebratory photos, a five minute walk back to the cars then part ways. Your guide will give you instructions on how to pay (yes, we do payment after jump!) and we will send your pictures and video to you later that day.
Congrats, you just experienced everything involved in making a Tandem BASE jump with Tandem BASE Moab, now let’s make it happen in real life! Remember, the first step is getting on the schedule! So look at your calendar and pick up your phone. Adventure awaits you in Moab!
Instructor Matt Laj prepares his student for a tandem BASE jump while safely away from the edge of the cliff
Instructor Katie Hansen prepares student with practice jump and double checks all of the gear while safely away from the edge of the cliff.